Tim Baines, QMI Agency

After being released by the B.C. Lions more than a year ago, the quarterback still had plenty of passion for football. He knew he still had something left in his tank and jumped at the opportunity to sign with the Ottawa RedBlacks, practising with the team for the first time on Monday at TD Place.

“When you get that phone call, that competitive edge kicks in,” said the 28-year-old Elliott, who was a two-time offensive player of the week while calling signals for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2012.

“I have another chapter to write (in my football career).”

The RedBlacks needed quarterback depth, with second-stringer Thomas DeMarco out for the season with a torn ACL. Danny O`Brien and Alex Carder both dressed for Ottawa`s game Friday in Montreal.

“We’re happy with the two young guys that we have here,” said Campbell. “But it’s good to have somebody who’s taken snaps in the league before.

“I was impressed with him when he was in Winnipeg. He’s been on the radar screen for a number of teams. In Calgary, we discussed him and we had talked about him here before. It’s big that he understands the league. And he brings more veteran presence.”

Elliott arrived in Ottawa on Sunday, then spent much of Monday reading and re-reading the playbook, trying to get up to speed.